Notes from the Nurse
Special Edition, Screening Update
March 25, 2021
- Screening Updates for 2020-2021
- Signs of Vision Problems
- Signs of Hearing Problems
- Signs of Abnormal Spinal Curvature
- Screening Requirements
- When are Children Screened
Screening Updates for the 2020-2021 School Year
Every year, children in Texas elementary schools are screened for vision problems, hearing problems, spinal curvature and risk factors for pre-diabetes. These screenings occur in Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd and 5th grades. Please see below for more information from the Texas DSHS on screening requirements.
If your child is an in-person learner in K, 1st, 3rd or 5th grade this year, your child has been screened for vision and hearing while at school. Parents will be notified if their child exhibited any problems during the vision and/or hearing screening. Parents of 5th grade girls will receive a separate e-mail with the upcoming date(s) for spinal screening.
Students enrolled in school @ home will not be on campus for routine hearing and vision screening. If you have any concerns about your child's hearing or vision, please contact your school nurse to discuss those concerns and possibly schedule a time to bring your child to school for screening. Review the signs that may indicate a problem below. Parents of virtual learners will also receive an e-mail with information regarding missed screening.
If your child is unable to be screened at school due to virtual learning, the Texas Department of State Health Services encourages you to take your child to their medical provider for a well-child exam. During this appointment, ask for hearing, vision and if indicated spinal screening for your child. If your provider screens your child, please provide the results (pass or fail) to the school for their records.
Signs to Monitor your Child for
Signs of Vision Problems
· Squinting
· Tilting the head
· Sitting too close to the television
· Rubbing eyes constantly
· Moving eyes abnormally
Signs of Hearing Problems
· Requiring high volume to hear sounds
· Asking “what” often when spoken to
· Child seems to not be listening
· Child hears fine sometimes and not other times
Signs of Abnormal Spinal Curvature
· Uneven shoulders or hips
· Ribs that are prominent or stick out in one area
· Muscles that are prominent in the lower back or bulge on one side
Why is screening required?
The Vision and Hearing Screening Program at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) works to identify children with vision and hearing disorders who attend any public school. School children with hearing and vision problems will be identified early and linked to appropriate remedial services. It is important to screen for vision and hearing problems as they can affect a child’s ability to learn.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Spinal Screening Program was established by the Texas Legislature to detect abnormal spinal curvature in students. School-based spinal screening helps to identify adolescents with abnormal spinal curves and refer them for appropriate follow-up by their primary care physician. Screening can detect scoliosis at an early stage, when the curve is mild and may otherwise go unnoticed. Early detection is key to controlling spinal deformities.
When are children screened?
Vision and Hearing Screening:
These screenings are required for students in Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades, as well as all students new to Texas schools.
Spinal Screening:
In compliance with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 37, all students will undergo screening for abnormal spinal curvature according to the following schedule:
- Girls will be screened two times, once in 5th grade, and again at age 12 (or fall semester of 7th grade)
- Boys will be screened one time at age 13 or 14 (or fall semester of 8th grade)
Acanthosis Nigricans Screening:
The 77th Texas Legislature passed legislation requiring school districts to screen students in 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades for Acanthosis Nigricans (AN). AN is a skin marker which may indicate pre-diabetes. AN is a light brown or black, velvety, rough, or thickened area or "marker" on the surface of the skin (usually on the neck). The presence of AN may signal high insulin levels, which puts a person at risk for more serious chronic conditions.
Questions?
Contact Info
Email: christina.allen@pisd.edu
Location: 7500 Marchman Way, Plano, TX, USA
Phone: 469-752-2309